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IUCN status: VulnerableWhitetip Reef Shark at a glance
The Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) is a marine animal in the family Carcharhinidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. Diet: predator of bottom animals (fish, octopus, spiny lobsters, crabs); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable.
| Scientific name | Triaenodon obesus |
|---|---|
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Carcharhinidae |
| Observation records | East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara |
| Taxonomic group | Carcharhiniformes |
| GBIF records | 305 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of bottom animals (fish, octopus, spiny lobsters, crabs) · FishBase |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · FishBase |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous, but can cause poisoning if eaten · FishBase: Triaenodon obesus species summary |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · Whitetip Reef Shark, Discover Fishes, Florida Museum of Natural History |
In this guide (12)
What is the Whitetip Reef Shark?
Whitetip Reef Shark refers to Triaenodon obesus, in the genus Triaenodon, family Carcharhinidae, and order Carcharhiniformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Whitetip Reef Shark?
The whitetip reef shark often rests near the reef bottom; white tips on the dorsal and tail fins separate it from blacktip reef sharks.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Whitetip Reef Shark?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 305 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Whitetip Reef Shark?
In the water, keep space, do not chase or touch, and avoid blocking the animal’s route. Record place and date; photographs cannot estimate how many individuals live throughout a sea area. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Whitetip Reef Shark with Blacktip Reef Shark, Bluespotted Maskray, Indonesian Speckled Carpetshark. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Whitetip Reef Shark
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family | Carcharhinidae |
| Genus | Triaenodon |
| Species | Triaenodon obesus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Whitetip Reef Shark
What is the scientific name of the Whitetip Reef Shark?
The scientific name of the Whitetip Reef Shark is Triaenodon obesus, in the family Carcharhinidae and the order Carcharhiniformes.
What kind of animal is the Whitetip Reef Shark?
The Whitetip Reef Shark is a marine animal in the family Carcharhinidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of bottom animals (fish, octopus, spiny lobsters, crabs).
Where does the Whitetip Reef Shark live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Whitetip Reef Shark summarised in this guide mainly come from East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Whitetip Reef Shark eat?
The Whitetip Reef Shark is a predator of bottom animals (fish, octopus, spiny lobsters, crabs). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: FishBase.
How does the Whitetip Reef Shark reproduce?
The Whitetip Reef Shark reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Placental viviparity: usually 2–3 pups (range 1–5) per litter. Source: FishBase.
Is the Whitetip Reef Shark poisonous?
Only if eaten. Not venomous, but potentially dangerous to people and its liver has been reported as toxic. Source: FishBase: Triaenodon obesus species summary.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Whitetip Reef Shark nocturnal?
The cited source records the Whitetip Reef Shark as nocturnal (active at night). Source: Whitetip Reef Shark, Discover Fishes, Florida Museum of Natural History.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Whitetip Reef Shark?
Scientific classification of the Whitetip Reef Shark: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Carcharhiniformes, family Carcharhinidae, genus Triaenodon, species Triaenodon obesus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Whitetip Reef Shark endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Whitetip Reef Shark is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Whitetip Reef Shark is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- FishBase ↗
- Whitetip Reef Shark, Discover Fishes, Florida Museum of Natural History ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
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Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/triaenodon-obesus/